Matt Stevens is determined to make his second tour with the British & Irish Lions more successful than his first, as the Saracens prop looks to earn his first cap against the Barbarians on Saturday.

Stevens, who was the surprise call-up to Warren Gatland’s squad having retired from international rugby last year, has boarded the Lions plane before having been on the end of the 3-0 defeat to New Zealand in 2005.

The current squad, which includes Stevens’ Sarries teammates Owen Farrell and Mako Vunipola, have arrived in Hong Kong ahead of their first match this weekend before flying out to Australia for the three crucial tests.

"It’s going to be massively tough," Stevens said. "You’re playing across the other side of the world, it’s a long trip, you’ve got to deal with all of that.

"You have to deal with the Aussie team who are a fantastic side and there are a lot of different implications when you’re touring.

"There are so many different games - you have the internationals and the midweek games - it’s a tough test.

"We weren’t very successful when I last toured in New Zealand and I’d like to turn that round and be successful this time."

The 30-year-old will be up against tough competition for a tight-head spot with the likes of Dan Cole and Adam Jones both vying for a place but Stevens’ versatility - and the consistency with which he has performed for Saracens this season - improve his chances.

The forward may be entering his twilight years for the Men in Black but he believes there are a number of young forwards ready to shine at the club in the near future.

"I think we have a lot to look forward to in the future - there are some serious specimens coming through at Saracens," he said.

"Obviously Mako (Vunipola) has come through and had an amazing year and got into the Lions team this season.

"But guys like Nick Auterac, who I have to scrum against every week in the live scrums, Will Fraser's had a fantastic season - these guys are serious players."

Fraser was dealt a blow earlier this month when he discovered he would be ruled out for four to six months and will miss the start of next season with a shoulder injury.

The flanker opted not to travel to Bermuda, where the Saracens squad are currently touring, but was undoubtedly one of the Men in Black's stand-out performers throughout the campaign.

He said: "There have been a lot of years of hard work and getting through injuries and I’ve had a tremendous amount of confidence installed in me from the backing of the club to keep re-signing me.

"It’s always nice to hear people say nice things, it’s very humbling and very overwhelming.

"But at the end of the day if I’m being brutally honest it’s just one season and your career isn’t defined by one season so I’ve got to make sure next year I do the same if not more."

The 23-year-old is confident he can back in action sooner than expected and wants to continue his international progress, which saw him named in England’s development squad, the Saxons, earlier this year.

"It’s every player’s dream to be capped by their country so England is the next step for me but that won’t just come, it will come from playing well and putting the club first," Fraser added.

"My priority will always be Sarries so hopefully then England will come after that.

"I still think my ball carrying can improve, my decision making at the breakdown can still get better - I’ve still given away a few penalties this year - so I’ve definitely still got a lot of areas I can work on."